Hanukkah ceremony Dec. 1 at Portland City Hall

PORTLAND — The annual lighting of the giant Hanukkah menorah at City Hall will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m.

Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews to commemorate religious liberty and the triumph of light over darkness. The eight-day holiday continues through Dec. 8.

The ceremony will be hosted by Rabbi Moshe Wilansky and Chabad of Maine. Mayor Nicholas Mavodones, the Portland Fire Department and local dignitaries will be on hand for the lighting of the eight-branched menorah.

Following the ceremony, the public is invited into City Hall for a buffet meal that will include traditional Hanukkah delicacies like doughnuts and potato pancakes.

Live entertainment will be provided by the Maine Meshugoyim. Arts and crafts activities will be provided for children. And all guests will be invited to take part in a unique Jewish “Jeopardy” game.